Car trouble · Brakes

My brakes are grinding

A harsh metal-on-metal grinding when you brake usually means the pads are worn through. Every mile makes the repair bigger.

Stop driving it

Grinding brakes can mean there is no pad left and the car may not stop when you need it to. Get it towed or checked before you drive it further.

A starting point, not a diagnosis. Most parts stores read check-engine codes and test batteries for free.

Likely causes — tick the parts you want

  1. Brake pads worn down to the metal

    most likely · Doable with tools and a free afternoon

    How to check: Look through the wheel spokes at the brake pad pressed against the disc. If there is less than about an eighth of an inch of pad, or deep grooves in the disc, they are worn out.

  2. A small rock or debris caught behind the brake

    possible · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: If the grinding started suddenly after driving on gravel and happens even without braking, a stone may be trapped between the rotor and the dust shield.

  3. A sticking brake caliper

    less likely · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: After a short drive, carefully hold your hand near each wheel without touching it. One wheel much hotter than the others, or a burning smell, points to a stuck caliper.

Be careful

Don’t blow brake dust off with compressed air or breathe it in — wet it down with brake cleaner and wipe it away. Never get under a car held up only by a jack — set it on jack stands on flat, solid ground and chock the wheels that stay down.

Your car — the counter needs this

If the counter doesn’t have a part, your shopper asks them to order it under your name and messages you the order number. When it comes in, send someone to collect it.

Not quite it?

My brake pedal feels soft or spongyMy brakes squealMy steering wheel shakes when I brakeMy car pulls to one side when I brake
My brakes are grinding — likely causes and the parts · DriverRuns